Stolen Picture, launched by Pegg and Frost earlier this year, has also poached Bad Wolf exec Miles Ketley as CEO.

Stolen Picture, the U.K.-based production banner launched by Simon Pegg and his long-term collaborator Nick Frost in May this year, has found itself a major backer.

Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures Television said Wednesday that it has taken a minority stake in the company, while also signing an exclusive TV distribution deal. Financial details weren't disclosed.

Alongside signing with Sony, Stolen Picture has named Miles Ketley as CEO. Ketley, a former Fox Searchlight executive, was previously COO at indie production company Bad Wolf.

"Nick and Simon are good friends of the Sony group already, and this deal will help us take things to the next level," said SPT's chief creative officer for international production, Wayne Garvie. "I’m sure that their boundless zest and creativity, coupled with Miles’ insight and energy, will help build Stolen Picture into an exceptional production company.”

Said Pegg and Frost, who first worked together on the cult U.K. TV series Spaced in 1999: "We're inordinately excited to be partnering with Sony and hope to create a diverse range of television and film in line with our own sensibilities. More than that we hope to receive free Walkmans and a lifetime's supply of cassettes."

Stolen Picture is currently in postproduction on its first project, the comedy horror Slaughterhouse Rulez, starring Finn Cole, Asa Butterfield, Hermione Corfield and Michael Sheen, alongside Pegg and Frost. Sony Pictures Releasing International has worldwide rights to distribute.

The deal was negotiated by Michael Brader and Medwyn Jones of Wiggin LLP on behalf of Stolen Picture, with Richard Parsons leading an in-house team at SPT.